Nairn Sun Dancer restaurant owner thanks community for support
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Community support was key to a Nairn restaurant lifting a top prize at a recent awards ceremony owners have said.
The Sun Dancer was named restaurant of the year at the recent Highlands and Islands Food and Drinks Awards (HIFDA) – adding to the same title taken at the Scottish Restaurant Awards in July.
Owner Lee Jack – who previously worked at Disneyworld in Florida as well as a number of five-star hotels – is delighted at the first Highland recognition for the prominent seafront restaurant.
He said of the HIFDA win: “It felt amazing, this was the first time for us winning at the Highland and Islands Food and Drinks Awards and it was such an honour to be part of it.
“We started off very small back in 2017 but we continued evolving our product and offering, becoming a staple for Nairn and in the region.”
In common with many other businesses The Sun Dancer has had to come through some difficult times in the wake of the pandemic.
“It has been a tough couple of years for all the hospitality industry,” Mr Jack said. “We kept battling on and taking each day as it comes, and now we are here.
“The community support has been so important for us, it really means so much.”
Laurie Fraser, Provost of Nairn, said the award is an another “outstanding goal” scored for the business and for the town.
He said: “It’s really well deserved.
“In Nairn we’ve got an outstanding offering of food and drink establishments, and long may this continue!
“To see a top winner among them is great. This is a really well-deserved achievement.”
Loyal customers were also quick to offer their congratulations after The Sun Dancer win was announced, with more than 250 messages posted to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Jan Barclay said: “Fantastic news, well done.
“Always a warm welcome by the team and the food is excellent. Clearly a winning combination.
“Congratulations to you all, it’s well deserved.”
And Judy Trappitt said: “Looking forward to coming for lunch on Tuesday. Love the restaurant and the stunning views.
“Well deserved award!”
Mr Jack also praised the team of 13 at the restaurant whose sterling efforts helped secure the prestigious award win.
“I think my team are just amazing, they are really dedicated and we do our best to bring the best experience to our customers,” he said.
Looking ahead he added: “In the future? Hopefully we keep going in this direction!”
